Measurement of structural anisotropy in femoral trabecular bone using clinical-resolution CT images

Discrepancies in finite-element model predictions of bone strength may be attributed to the simplified modeling of bone as an isotropic structure due to the resolution limitations of clinical-level Computed Tomography (CT) data. The aim of this study is to calculate the preferential orientations of bone (the principal directions) and the extent to which bone is deposited more in one direction compared to another (degree of anisotropy). Using 100 femoral trabecular samples, the principal directions and degree of anisotropy were calculated with a Gradient Structure Tensor (GST) and a Sobel Structure Tensor (SST) using clinical-level CT. The results were compared against those calculated with the gold standard Mean-Intercept-Length (MIL) fabric tensor using micro-CT. There was no significant difference between the GST and SST in the calculation of the main principal direction (median error=28°), and the error was inversely correlated to the degree of transverse isotropy (r=−0.34, p<0.01). The degree of anisotropy measured using the structure tensors was weakly correlated with the MIL-based measurements (r=0.2, p<0.001). Combining the principal directions with the degree of anisotropy resulted in a significant increase in the correlation of the tensor distributions (r=0.79, p<0.001). Both structure tensors were robust against simulated noise, kernel sizes, and bone volume fraction. We recommend the use of the GST because of its computational efficiency and ease of implementation. This methodology has the promise to predict the structural anisotropy of bone in areas with a high degree of anisotropy, and may improve the in vivo characterization of bone.

Directional deep brain stimulation: an intraoperative double-blind pilot study.

Deep brain stimulation of different targets has been shown to drastically improve symptoms of a variety of neurological conditions. However, the occurrence of disabling side effects may limit the ability to deliver adequate amounts of current necessary to reach the maximal benefit. Computed models have suggested that reduction in electrode size and the ability to provide directional stimulation could increase the efficacy of such therapies. This has never been demonstrated in humans. In the present study, we assess the effect of directional stimulation compared to omnidirectional stimulation. Three different directions of stimulation as well as omnidirectional stimulation were tested intraoperatively in the subthalamic nucleus of 11 patients with Parkinson's disease and in the nucleus ventralis intermedius of two other subjects with essential tremor. At the trajectory chosen for implantation of the definitive electrode, we assessed the current threshold window between positive and side effects, defined as the therapeutic window. A computed finite element model was used to compare the volume of tissue activated when one directional electrode was stimulated, or in case of omnidirectional stimulation. All but one patient showed a benefit of directional stimulation compared to omnidirectional. A best direction of stimulation was observed in all the patients. The therapeutic window in the best direction was wider than the second best direction (P = 0.003) and wider than the third best direction (P = 0.002). Compared to omnidirectional direction, the therapeutic window in the best direction was 41.3% wider (P = 0.037). The current threshold producing meaningful therapeutic effect in the best direction was 0.67 mA (0.3-1.0 mA) and was 43% lower than in omnidirectional stimulation (P = 0.002). No complication as a result of insertion of the directional electrode or during testing was encountered. The computed model revealed a volume of tissue activated of 10.5 mm(3) in omnidirectional mode, compared with 4.2 mm(3) when only one electrode was used. Directional deep brain stimulation with a reduced electrode size applied intraoperatively in the subthalamic nucleus as well as in the nucleus ventralis intermedius of the thalamus significantly widened the therapeutic window and lowered the current needed for beneficial effects, compared to omnidirectional stimulation. The observed side effects related to direction of stimulation were consistent with the anatomical location of surrounding structures. This new approach opens the door to an improved deep brain stimulation therapy. Chronic implantation is further needed to confirm these findings.

Patient-specific spinal stiffness in AIS: a preoperative and noninvasive method.

INTRODUCTION The clinical tests currently used to assess spinal biomechanics preoperatively are unable to assess true mechanical spinal stiffness. They rely on spinal displacement without considering the force required to deform a patient's spine. We propose a preoperative method for noninvasively quantifying the three-dimensional patient-specific stiffness of the spines of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. METHODS The technique combines a novel clinical test with numerical optimization of a finite element model of the patient's spine. RESULTS A pilot study conducted on five patients showed that the model was able to provide accurate 3D reconstruction of the spine's midline and predict the spine's stiffness for each patient in flexion, bending, and rotation. Statistically significant variation of spinal stiffness was observed between the patients. CONCLUSION This result confirms that spinal biomechanics is patient-specific, which should be taken into consideration to individualize surgical treatment.

Magnetic susceptibility and electric conductivity of marine surficial sediments by benthic electromagnetic profiling

Distribution, accumulation and diagenesis of surficial sediments in coastal and continental shelf systems follow complex chains of localized processes and form deposits of great spatial variability. Given the environmental and economic relevance of ocean margins, there is growing need for innovative geophysical exploration methods to characterize seafloor sediments by more than acoustic properties. A newly conceptualized benthic profiling and data processing approach based on controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) imaging permits to coevally quantify the magnetic susceptibility and the electric conductivity of shallow marine deposits. The two physical properties differ fundamentally insofar as magnetic susceptibility mostly assesses solid particle characteristics such as terrigenous or iron mineral content, redox state and contamination level, while electric conductivity primarily relates to the fluid-filled pore space and detects salinity, porosity and grain-size variations. We develop and validate a layered half-space inversion algorithm for submarine multifrequency CSEM with concentric sensor configuration. Guided by results of modeling, we modified a commercial land CSEM sensor for submarine application, which was mounted into a nonconductive and nonmagnetic bottom-towed sled. This benthic EM profiler Neridis II achieves 25 soundings/second at 3-4 knots over continuous profiles of up to hundred kilometers. Magnetic susceptibility is determined from the 75 Hz in-phase response (90% signal originates from the top 50 cm), while electric conductivity is derived from the 5 kHz out-of-phase (quadrature) component (90% signal from the top 92 cm). Exemplary survey data from the north-west Iberian margin underline the excellent sensitivity, functionality and robustness of the system in littoral (~0-50 m) and neritic (~50-300 m) environments. Susceptibility vs. porosity cross-plots successfully identify known lithofacies units and their transitions. All presently available data indicate an eminent potential of CSEM profiling for assessing the complex distribution of shallow marine surficial sediments and for revealing climatic, hydrodynamic, diagenetic and anthropogenic factors governing their formation.

Modelización por métodos numéricos de la degradación térmica de un elemento estructural de madera en situación de incendio

La cuantificación de la reducción de las propiedades resistentes y de la sección de un elemento estructural en situación de incendio es fundamental de cara a garantizar la estabilidad estructural en situación de incendio. Existen investigaciones que tratan de determinar la variación de las propiedades térmicas y mecánicas de la madera sometida a cargas térmicas, y la reducción de sección transversal de un elemento estructural de madera. La normativa europea en materia de construcción con madera, el Eurocódigo 5, propone unas simplificaciones para determinar la sección residual de un elemento estructural de madera en situación de incendio. Los objetivos de este trabajo comprenden una revisión de algunos trabajos realizados en el campo de la variación en función de la temperatura de las propiedades térmicas de la madera (calor específico, densidad y conductividad térmica), y la construcción con los distintos valores propuestos de varios modelos de elementos finitos que se someterán a cargas térmicas definidas por la curva ISO 834-1. Los resultados se compararán con un modelo construido con los valores que el Eurocódigo propone y con un ensayo experimental. Como resultado final, se propone finalmente un modelo de elementos finitos que emule el comportamiento del ensayo experimental. The quantification of the decrease of strength properties and section of a structural element in a fire situation is critical in order to guarantee the structural stability in such a fire event. There are some researches in literature trying to find the variation of thermal and mechanical properties of wood subjected to thermal loads, and the decrease of cross section of a wooden structural element. The European legislation on timber construction, Eurocode 5, proposes a simplification to determine the residual section of a wooden structural element in a fire situation. This paper objectives consist in a review of some researches in the field of variations, depending on the temperature, of the thermal properties of wood (specific heat, density and thermal conductivity); and in the construction of a few finite element models of timber structural elements affected by thermal loads according to ISO 834-1. The results were compared with a model based in Eurocode 5 and with an experimental test. As final result, at last, we propose a finite element model that simulates the behavior of the experimental tested element.

Improved design of an overhead rail current conductor for application in underground lines

Overhead rail current collector systems for railway traction offer certain features, such as low installation height and reduced maintenance, which make them predominantly suitable for use in underground train infrastructures. Due to the increased demands of modern catenary systems and higher running speeds of new vehicles, a more capable design of the conductor rail is needed. A new overhead conductor rail has been developed and its design has been patented [13]. Modern simulation and modelling techniques were used in the development approach. The new conductor rail profile has a dynamic behaviour superior to that of the system currently in use. Its innovative design permits either an increase of catenary support spacing or a higher vehicle running speed. Both options ensure savings in installation or operating costs. The simulation model used to optimise the existing conductor rail profile included both a finite element model of the catenary and a three-dimensional multi-body system model of the pantograph. The contact force that appears between pantograph and catenary was obtained in simulation. A sensitivity analysis of the key parameters that influence in catenary dynamics was carried out, finally leading to the improved design.

Dynamic Response of Wind Turbines to Theoretical 3D Seismic Motions Taking into Account the Rotational Component

We study the dynamic response of a wind turbine structure subjected to theoretical seismic motions, taking into account the rotational component of ground shaking. Models are generated for a shallow moderate crustal earthquake in the Madrid Region (Spain). Synthetic translational and rotational time histories are computed using the Discrete Wavenumber Method, assuming a point source and a horizontal layered earth structure. These are used to analyze the dynamic response of a wind turbine, represented by a simple finite element model. Von Mises stress values at different heights of the tower are used to study the dynamical structural response to a set of synthetic ground motion time histories

Dynamic Effects On Culverts for High Speed Trains

Culverts are very common in recent railway lines. Wild life corridors and drainage conducts often fall in this category of partially buried structures. Their dynamic behavior has received far less attention than other structures such as bridges but its large number makes that study an interesting challenge from the point of view of safety and savings. In this paper a complete study of a culvert, including on-site measurements as well as numerical modelling, will be presented. The structure belongs to the high speed railway line linking Segovia and Valladolid, in Spain. The line was opened to traffic in 2004. Its dimensions (3x3m) are the most frequent along the line. Other factors such as reduced overburden (0.6m) and an almost right angle with the track axis make it an interesting example to extract generalized conclusions. On site measurements have been performed in the structure recording the dynamic response at selected points of the structure during the passage of high speed trains at speeds ranging between 200 and 300km/h. The measurements by themselves provide a good insight into the main features of the dynamic behaviour of the structure. A 3D finite element model of the structure, representing its key features was also studied as it allows further understanding of the dynamic response to the train loads . In the paper the discrepancies between predicted and measured vibration levels will be analyzed and some advices on numerical modelling will be proposed

Operational Modal Analysis on laminated glass beams

Laminated glass is a sandwich element consisting of two or more glass sheets, with one or more interlayers of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). The dynamic response of laminated glass beams and plates can be predicted using analytical or numerical models in which the glass and the PVB are usually modelled as linear-elastic and linear viscoelastic materials, respectively. In this work the dynamic behavior of laminated glass beams are predicted using a finite element model and the analytical model of Ross-Kerwin-Ungar. The numerical and analytical results are compared with those obtained by operational modal analysis performed at different temperatures.

Amplificador de señal analógico basado en conceptos biomiméticos. Desarrollo de modelos computacionales y validación experimental

La presente tesis doctoral estudia las características de un transductor acústico bioinspirado en la estructura del maxilar inferior de un Zifio de Couvier (Ziphius cavirostris). El mecanismo de funcionamiento del sensor se basa en las características de un sistema acoplado formado por los distintos componentes acústicos identificados en el maxilar. Para analizar las características del sensor se propone un modelo simplificado 2D que consta de una cavidad cerrada con forma de bocina acoplada a una lengüeta. Una parte de la lengüeta se encuentra dentro de la cavidad y otra en el exterior. Dicha lengüeta detecta los cambios de presión acústica y las vibraciones generadas por el sonido y las transmite con ondas de flexión al interior de la cavidad. La excitación prolongada sobre la placa puede provocar la activación de los modos propios del sistema acoplado. Dichos modos se caracterizan porque presentan un máximo de presión en el cono de la bocina la cual a su vez actúa como un amplificador acústico. Mediante el Método de los elementos Finitos se analizan las características acústicas del sensor y se construye un prototipo experimental para validar los resultados evaluados en el modelo numérico. Se propone una metodología numérica que permite desarrollar y validar un elemento tetraédrico para caracterizar el comportamiento isotrópico de los medios porosos. La metodología permite construir elementos de línea y bidimensionales. A partir de esta metodología se desarrolla un elemento plano ortotrópico. Se realiza un modelo de la cavidad en el que una de las paredes de la bocina está constituida por material poroso y se une la parte exterior de la lengüeta a dicho material para que constituya una viga sobre un apoyo elástico. Se calcula la respuesta modal y se discuten los efectos del material poroso en la eficiencia del transductor y las posibles mejoras a introducir en el mismo. SUMMARY This Thesis studies the characteristics of an acoustic transducer bioinspired by the structure of the lower maxilla of an odontoceto. In this case a Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris). The transducer working mechanism is based in a coupled system, with components identified in the maxilla. To analyze the transducer a simplified 2D model composed by a horn shaped closed cavity is modeled. The cavity is coupled with a flat belt. The belt has one part inside the cavity and the other part outside of it. The belt traverses the cavity wall and it is in charge to pick the vibrations from outside and introduce it inside the cavity. The transmission is obtained through the belt bending. A sustained external load with the right frequency contents will allow the system to reach a stationary pressure intensity distribution inside the cavity. Frequencies with modal shapes that show an important intensity increase at the horn tip are of special interest because of the signal amplification. A finite element model is constructed to study the transducer coupled modes and a prototype is constructed to validate the numerical results. A numerical methodology to construct and validate a tetrahedral finite element for isotropic porous materials is presented. The methodology allows constructing linear and 2D elements. It is extended to model orthotropic porous materials behavior. At the end, one of the horn walls is made of an orthotropic material and the external belt is glued to it in order to configure a belt over an elastic foundation. Modal response is evaluated and the porous material effects in the transducer efficiency and further improvements are discussed.

Estudio numérico y experimental del efecto de tamaño en modo mixto de los paneles de yeso laminado y lana de roca

Los paneles sándwich de yeso laminado y lana de roca presentan una abundante patología de fisuración debida a flechas excesivas de forjados. Existe, por tanto, la necesidad de avanzar en la simulación y predicción de comportamiento bajo solicitaciones de tracción y cortante de ese tipo de paneles, a pesar de que en las aplicaciones habituales no tienen responsabilidad estructural. El comportamiento de este material puede ser considerado cuasi-frágil, y en base a ello en este trabajo ha sido estudiado haciendo uso de modelos de fisura cohesiva, cuya aplicación a otros materiales cuasifrágiles, como el hormigón, ha aportado resultados muy satisfactorios. En esta comunicación se presenta el trabajo realizado para estudiar el efecto del tamaño del elemento de yeso laminado y lana de roca en su comportamiento mecánico-resistente. Para ello se diseñó una campaña de ensayos en modo mixto sobre probetas de diferente tamaño. Se han realizado ensayos de flexión en tres puntos en modo mixto de unas probetas entalladas, geométricamente similares y de diferente tamaño, obteniéndose las curvas carga-desplazamiento y cargaabertura de la boca de la entalla. Para simular numéricamente el comportamiento en fractura del panel en modo mixto se ha utilizado un modelo de elementos finitos con fisura embebida basado en la fisura cohesiva en el que se introducen como entrada los parámetros obtenidos a partir de la experimentación de trabajos anteriores, obteniéndose un buen ajuste. En función de estos resultados se analiza el efecto del tamaño en los paneles. Sandwich panels of laminated gypsum and rockwool have an abundant pathology of cracking due to excessive slabs deflection. Therefore, it is necessary to progress in the simulation and prediction of behaviour under tensile and shear load of such panels, although in typical applications have no structural responsability. The behaviour of this material may be considered quasi-brittle and, based on this idea, in this work has been studied using a cohesive crack model that has been applied to other quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete, and has provided very satisfactory results. This communication presents the work carried out to study the size effect of the specimen of plasterboard and rockwool in its mechanical and resistant behaviour. The authors designed an experimental campaign under mixed mode composed by testing specimens of different sizes. Assymetrical three-point bending tests have been performed on notched specimens, geometrically similar and of different size, to obtain load-displacement and load-crack moutn opening displacement curves. To numerically simulate the mixed-mode fracture behaviour of the panels we have used a finite element model with embedded crack, based on the cohesive crack model, using as input the experimental parameters obtained in previous work, obtaining a good adjustment. Based on these results we analyze the size effect of the panels

Computational Methods for Identification of Vibrating Structures

System identification deals with the problem of building mathematical models of dynamical systems based on observed data from the system" [1]. In the context of civil engineering, the system refers to a large scale structure such as a building, bridge, or an offshore structure, and identification mostly involves the determination of modal parameters (the natural frequencies, damping ratios, and mode shapes). This paper presents some modal identification results obtained using a state-of-the-art time domain system identification method (data-driven stochastic subspace algorithms [2]) applied to the output-only data measured in a steel arch bridge. First, a three dimensional finite element model was developed for the numerical analysis of the structure using ANSYS. Modal analysis was carried out and modal parameters were extracted in the frequency range of interest, 0-10 Hz. The results obtained from the finite element modal analysis were used to determine the location of the sensors. After that, ambient vibration tests were conducted during April 23-24, 2009. The response of the structure was measured using eight accelerometers. Two stations of three sensors were formed (triaxial stations). These sensors were held stationary for reference during the test. The two remaining sensors were placed at the different measurement points along the bridge deck, in which only vertical and transversal measurements were conducted (biaxial stations). Point estimate and interval estimate have been carried out in the state space model using these ambient vibration measurements. In the case of parametric models (like state space), the dynamic behaviour of a system is described using mathematical models. Then, mathematical relationships can be established between modal parameters and estimated point parameters (thus, it is common to use experimental modal analysis as a synonym for system identification). Stable modal parameters are found using a stabilization diagram. Furthermore, this paper proposes a method for assessing the precision of estimates of the parameters of state-space models (confidence interval). This approach employs the nonparametric bootstrap procedure [3] and is applied to subspace parameter estimation algorithm. Using bootstrap results, a plot similar to a stabilization diagram is developed. These graphics differentiate system modes from spurious noise modes for a given order system. Additionally, using the modal assurance criterion, the experimental modes obtained have been compared with those evaluated from a finite element analysis. A quite good agreement between numerical and experimental results is observed.

Estudio numérico y experimental del efecto de tamaño en modo mixto de los paneles de yeso laminado y lana de roca

Los paneles sándwich de yeso laminado y lana de roca presentan una abundante patología de fisuración debida a flechas excesivas de forjados. Existe, por tanto, la necesidad de avanzar en la simulación y predicción de comportamiento bajo solicitaciones de tracción y cortante de ese tipo de paneles, a pesar de que en las aplicaciones habituales no tienen responsabilidad estructural. El comportamiento de este material puede ser considerado cuasi-frágil, y en base a ello en este trabajo ha sido estudiado haciendo uso de modelos de fisura cohesiva, cuya aplicación a otros materiales cuasifrágiles, como el hormigón, ha aportado resultados muy satisfactorios. En esta comunicación se presenta el trabajo realizado para estudiar el efecto del tamaño del elemento de yeso laminado y lana de roca en su comportamiento mecánico-resistente. Para ello se diseñó una campaña de ensayos en modo mixto sobre probetas de diferente tamaño. Se han realizado ensayos de flexión en tres puntos en modo mixto de unas probetas entalladas, geométricamente similares y de diferente tamaño, obteniéndose las curvas carga-desplazamiento y cargaabertura de la boca de la entalla. Para simular numéricamente el comportamiento en fractura del panel en modo mixto se ha utilizado un modelo de elementos finitos con fisura embebida basado en la fisura cohesiva en el que se introducen como entrada los parámetros obtenidos a partir de la experimentación de trabajos anteriores, obteniéndose un buen ajuste. En función de estos resultados se analiza el efecto del tamaño en los paneles. Sandwich panels of laminated gypsum and rockwool have an abundant pathology of cracking due to excessive slabs deflection. Therefore, it is necessary to progress in the simulation and prediction of behaviour under tensile and shear load of such panels, although in typical applications have no structural responsability. The behaviour of this material may be considered quasi-brittle and, based on this idea, in this work has been studied using a cohesive crack model that has been applied to other quasi-brittle materials, such as concrete, and has provided very satisfactory results. This communication presents the work carried out to study the size effect of the specimen of plasterboard and rockwool in its mechanical and resistant behaviour. The authors designed an experimental campaign under mixed mode composed by testing specimens of different sizes. Assymetrical three-point bending tests have been performed on notched specimens, geometrically similar and of different size, to obtain load-displacement and load-crack moutn opening displacement curves. To numerically simulate the mixed-mode fracture behaviour of the panels we have used a finite element model with embedded crack, based on the cohesive crack model, using as input the experimental parameters obtained in previous work, obtaining a good adjustment. Based on these results we analyze the size effect of the panels.

Study of the Edge and Surface Cracks Influence in the Mechanical Strength of Silicon Wafers

The objective of the present study is the estimation of the depth to which the wire sawing process causes damage to the wafer surfaces. Previous analyses were carried out by means of the four line bending test. The characteristic of this test implied that the failure could be due to surface cracks located in the central zone of the wafer or near the edges. In order to evaluate the influence of the edge or surface cracks a new study has been carried out using the ball/ring on ring test. Description and results of the tests are presented. The preliminary analysis of the failure stress using analytical methods confirms the expected results. A Finite Element model developed to get more information of the test results is also presented.